The act of a player being “away from keyboard” (AFK) within a persistent, globally accessible zombie apocalypse-themed game presents a unique set of circumstances. It describes a situation where a player’s avatar remains present and active within the game world, but the player themselves is not actively controlling or monitoring their character. For example, a player might leave their character standing in a seemingly secure location before stepping away from their computer for an extended period.
This inactive presence can significantly impact the player’s experience and the overall game environment. In a zombie-infested world, even a seemingly safe location can quickly become overrun. The inactive character is vulnerable to attack, potentially losing valuable resources or even suffering permanent death, depending on the game’s mechanics. Historically, AFK behaviors in online games have been addressed through various systems, ranging from automatic disconnection to in-game penalties, to mitigate negative impacts on other players and the game’s economy.
